PVP‐Coated Fe3O4/Fe2O3 Nanocomposites for Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic and Inorganic Pollutants

Journal Article

2026

Published in: https://authorservices.wiley.com/index.html#register

In this study, Fe3O4/Fe2O3 and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-capped
Fe3O4/Fe2O3@PVP nanocomposites were synthesized via
a controlled hydrothermal route and evaluated as multifunctional photocatalysts for the degradation of inorganic and organic
pollutants. Structural analyses confirmed the coexistence of magnetite and hematite phases, with PVP incorporation inducing
compressive lattice strain, reducing crystallite size from 19.91 to 14.83 nm, and increasing the specific surface area from
55.84 to 68.8 m2 g−1. UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed a slight red shift in the optical bandgap (from 1.25 to 1.04 eV), attributed
to enhanced polymer–oxide electronic coupling. Morphological studies showed that PVP effectively minimized nanoparticle
agglomeration, leading to improved dispersion and surface accessibility. Photocatalytic evaluations under UV irradiation
demonstrated nearly complete degradation (~99.9%) of Cr(III) within 105 min and of the organic pollutants 2,4-dinitroaniline
and p-bromohydroxybenzene
within 120 min. The PVP-capped
Fe3O4/Fe2O3@PVP nanocomposite exhibited slightly superior efficiency
and stability compared to the uncoated sample, owing to enhanced charge carrier separation, reduced electron–hole recombination,
and improved interfacial contact with the pollutants. These findings highlight the potential of Fe3O4/Fe2O3@PVP
nanocomposites as efficient, recyclable, and sustainable photocatalysts for water purification and environmental remediation

• Publisher Name: Wiely
• Volume Number: e70560
• Magazine \ Newspaper: Journal of Applied Polymer Science